The January 12, 1932, Hattie Ophelia Caraway became the first elected United States Senator.. Her husband, Thaddeus Caraway, had secured her position in this chamber early in the previous decade. On her death Hattie inherited the position—according to the tradition that widows were awarded the seat of their deceased spouse—and then she decided to run at the polls and achieve it on her merits.
Who was Hattie Ophelia Caraway?
“This senator was also one of the toughest opponents of isolationist policies, and a staunch supporter of United States war veterans.“
Thanks to one of her relatives, Hattie Caraway was able to complete her training at Dickson Normal College. After graduating she dedicated herself to teaching, until she got married and changed teaching for housework. When she was widowed in 1931, she began a political career that marked a milestone in the history of the United States. With her victory in the elections —which she ran for the Democratic Party in Arkansas—, Caraway became a symbol of the feminist movement in this country. From her position in the Senate, she became a great ally of the economic and social measures of the New Deal of President Roosevelt. This senator was also one of the toughest opponents of isolationist policies, and a staunch supporter of United States war veterans.
“When she left her act as a senator, after fourteen years in office, she was given a long standing ovation by her colleagues.“
Caraway also managed to be the first woman to preside over the Senate, in addition to leading several committees during her political career in fields such as agriculture and commerce. In 1938 she ran for re-election again and again triumphed with her proposals among the voters. She was also a pioneer in equality policies, in 1943 she initiated a proposal that she could not see approved, since it was not accepted until the late 70s. He tried a third time, but this time he did not have the necessary votes.. When she left her act as a senator, after fourteen years in office, she was given a long standing ovation by her colleagues. Presidents Roosevelt and Truman wanted to recognize the commitment and courage of this woman and appointed her to various positions of responsibility in her administration.
Other historical events of January 12
The January 12, 1072 Sancho II was crowned King of León.
The January 12, 1610 started the expulsion of the Moors from Andalusia ordered by King Philip III throughout Spain, which began in 1609 and was completed in 1613.
The January 12, 1848 the independentists rose up in Palermo against the Bourbons, rulers of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies.
The January 12, 1946 the UN created the Security Council.